U.S. patent application number 16/909273 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-18 for wearable medical training device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Strategic Operations, Inc.. Invention is credited to Stuart C. SEGALL.
Application Number | 20210082318 16/909273 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005251308 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210082318 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SEGALL; Stuart C. |
March 18, 2021 |
WEARABLE MEDICAL TRAINING DEVICE
Abstract
The present disclosure, when used by a live actor, may allow
users to safely simulate hemorrhaging in some of the most
challenging blood vessels in the most challenging anatomical
locations such as the carotid artery, the axillary artery, and the
femoral artery. The present disclosure may further provide the
ability for users to safely perform hemorrhage control procedures,
such as compression and ligation. The simulated wound of the
present disclosure may be compressed to control hemorrhage. The
simulated wound receptacle of the present disclosure may be packed
with hemostatic or simple gauze to control hemorrhage. The
simulated blood vessel of the device may be ligated with hemostats
or other ligating instruments or material and bandaged with
pressure dressings to control hemorrhage.
Inventors: |
SEGALL; Stuart C.; (La
Jolla, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Strategic Operations, Inc. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005251308 |
Appl. No.: |
16/909273 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15859112 |
Dec 29, 2017 |
10726743 |
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16909273 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/12122 20130101;
G09B 23/30 20130101; A61F 13/0276 20130101; G09B 23/303 20130101;
A61B 17/0057 20130101; A61M 1/0088 20130101; A61F 13/0226 20130101;
A61L 2400/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G09B 23/30 20060101
G09B023/30; A61M 1/00 20060101 A61M001/00; A61B 17/00 20060101
A61B017/00 |
Claims
1. A wearable medical training device to be worn by a wearer for
simulation of junctional bleeding of the wearer, the wearable
medical training device comprising: a user interface configured to
be worn by the wearer proximate a junction of the wearer when worn;
a simulated hemorrhaging wound coupled to the user interface and
configured to simulate a wound bleeding from said junction; and a
blood feed coupled to the user interface and the simulated
hemorrhage wound, the blood feed configured to communicate a
simulated blood to the simulated hemorrhaging wound, and further
configured to reduce or at least substantially stop a flow of the
simulated blood to the simulated hemorrhaging wound upon proper
performance of a hemorrhage control procedure.
2. The wearable medical training device of claim 1, wherein the
blood feed includes a simulated blood vessel that is manually
deformable, the blood feed further configured to reduce or stop the
flow of the simulated blood upon performance of a ligation
procedure on the simulated blood vessel.
3. The wearable medical training device of claim 2, wherein the
simulated hemorrhaging wound includes a bottom layer and a top
layer attached together to form a simulated wound cavity
therebetween, said top layer made to simulate human skin and
including an opening configured to simulate a wound to said human
skin; and wherein the blood feed is further configured to reduce or
stop the flow of the simulated blood upon performance of a
compression procedure on or proximate the simulated blood
vessel.
4. The wearable medical training device of claim 3, wherein the
bottom layer and the top layer are configured to rest against each
other in a relaxed state, minimizing a volume of the simulated
wound cavity, and further configured to deform away from each other
upon application of a physical force, dynamically increasing said
volume of the simulated wound cavity; and wherein the blood feed is
further configured to reduce or stop the flow of the simulated
blood upon compacting the simulated wound cavity with gauze.
5. The wearable medical training device of claim 4, wherein the
blood feed is further configured to reduce the flow of the
simulated blood upon application of pressure proximate the
simulated blood vessel as part of the performance of the
compression procedure on the simulated blood vessel, to resume the
flow of the simulated blood upon removal of said pressure proximate
the simulated blood vessel, to at least substantially stop the flow
of the simulated blood upon performance of the ligation procedure
on said simulated blood vessel, and to at least substantially stop
the flow of the simulated blood upon compacting the simulated wound
cavity with gauze.
6. The wearable medical training device of claim 1, wherein the
user interface is further configured to be worn by the wearer
proximate a neck junction of the wearer, repositioned and worn by
the wearer proximate an axillary junction of the wearer, and
further repositioned and worn by the wearer proximate an inguinal
junction.
7. The wearable medical training device of claim 1, wherein the
user interface includes one or more reconfigurable straps
configured to attach to the wearer in multiple locations, a base
protection layer configured to inhibit injury to the wearer from
medical instruments during use of the wearable medical training
device, and a padding layer configured to increase stability and
decrease movement of the wearable medical training device when
worn.
8. A multi-junctional bleeding simulator to be worn by a wearer for
simulation of junctional bleeding of the wearer, the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator comprising: a multi-junctional
attachment unit configured to be worn by the wearer proximate a
neck junction, repositioned and worn by the wearer proximate an
axillary junction of the wearer, and further repositioned and worn
by the wearer proximate an inguinal junction; a simulated
hemorrhage wound coupled to the multi-junctional attachment unit
and configured to simulate a junctional bleeding wound and
simulated bleeding from said junctional bleeding wound; and a blood
plumbing system coupled to the multi-junctional attachment unit and
the simulated hemorrhage wound, the blood plumbing system
configured to communicate a simulated blood to the simulated
hemorrhage wound, and further configured to reduce or at least
substantially stop a flow of the simulated blood to the simulated
hemorrhage wound upon proper performance of a hemorrhage control
procedure.
9. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of claim 8, wherein the
multi-junctional attachment unit includes one or more
reconfigurable straps configured to attach to the wearer in
multiple locations, a base protection layer configured to prevent
injury to the wearer from medical instruments during medical
training, and a padding layer configured to conform to the wearer
and inhibit motion of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator
during medical training, when worn.
10. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of claim 9, wherein the
multi-junctional attachment unit further includes a cover
configured to substantially cover the base protection layer and the
padding layer of the multi-junctional attachment unit, the
simulated hemorrhage wound, and at least a portion of the blood
plumbing system, the cover including a cover opening positioned and
arranged to permit egress of the simulated bleeding from the
junctional bleeding wound, and to provide sufficient access to the
simulated hemorrhage wound for performance of the hemorrhage
control procedure
11. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of claim 8, wherein the
multi-junctional attachment unit includes a limb strap, a neck
strap, and an extended strap, the limb strap coupled to the
multi-junctional attachment unit and configured to adjustably
attach the multi-junctional attachment unit to a limb of the
wearer, the neck strap configured to removably couple to the
multi-junctional attachment unit and to adjustably attach the
multi-junctional attachment unit to a neck of the wearer, and the
extended strap configured to removably couple to the limb strap the
multi-junctional attachment unit and to adjustably attach the
multi-junctional attachment unit to a torso of the wearer.
12. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of claim 8, wherein the
simulated hemorrhaging wound further includes a bottom layer and a
top layer attached together and forming a simulated wound cavity
therebetween, said top layer made to simulate human skin and
including an opening configured to simulate a wound to said human
skin, the bottom layer and the top layer configured to rest against
each other in a relaxed state, minimizing a volume of the simulated
wound cavity, and further configured to be deformable away from
each other upon application of a physical force, dynamically
increasing said volume of the simulated wound cavity; and wherein
the blood plumbing system includes a simulated blood vessel that
extends into the simulated wound cavity, said simulated blood
vessel being manually deformable, said simulated blood vessel
configured to expel the simulated blood into the simulated wound
cavity.
13. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of claim 12, wherein
the opening of the top layer of the simulated hemorrhaging wound is
configured to simulate a wound to the wearer including at least one
of an abrasion, an excoriation, a hematoma, a laceration, an
incision, a puncture wound, a contusion, a crushing injury, or a
ballistic trauma.
14. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of claim 12, wherein
the simulated blood vessel extended into the simulated wound cavity
is in misalignment with the opening of the top layer of the
simulated hemorrhaging wound such that said opening of said top
layer must be manipulated to access the simulated blood vessel.
15. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of claim 12, wherein
the simulated blood vessel is further configured to reduce or at
least substantially stop the simulating bleeding upon performance
of a ligation procedure, and alternately, to reduce or at least
substantially stop the simulating bleeding upon performance of a
compression procedure on or proximate the simulated blood vessel,
and alternately, to reduce or at least substantially stop the
simulating bleeding upon compacting the simulated wound cavity with
gauze.
16. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of claim 12, wherein
the blood plumbing system further includes a feed tube, an exhaust
tube, and a bypass valve, the bypass valve fluidly coupling the
feed tube to the simulated blood vessel and to the exhaust tube;
and wherein the flow of the simulated blood is normally plumbed to
the simulated blood vessel, and the flow of the simulated blood is
at least partially bypassed to the exhaust tube from the simulated
blood vessel when a threshold backpressure is reached in the
simulated blood vessel.
17. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of claim 16, wherein
the bypass valve has a fully open state triggered by a bypass
backpressure, a partially open state triggered by a cracking
backpressure, and a normally-closed state, the bypass backpressure
corresponding to the hemorrhage control procedure being properly
performed to stop bleeding, and the cracking backpressure
corresponding to the hemorrhage control procedure being properly
performed to slow bleeding.
18. A system for training hemorrhage control procedures on a
wearer, the system comprising: a pumping system including a supply
of a simulated blood, a simulated blood pump configured to transmit
the simulated blood, and a simulated blood reservoir configured to
receive the simulated blood; and a multi-junctional bleeding
simulator to be worn by the wearer for simulation of junctional
bleeding of the wearer, the multi-junctional bleeding simulator
including a multi-junctional attachment unit configured to be worn
by the wearer proximate a neck junction, repositioned and worn by
the wearer proximate an axillary junction of the wearer, and
further repositioned and worn by the wearer proximate an inguinal
junction, a simulated hemorrhage wound coupled to the
multi-junctional attachment unit and configured to simulate a
junctional bleeding wound and simulated bleeding from said
junctional bleeding wound, and a blood plumbing system coupled to
the multi-junctional attachment unit and the simulated hemorrhage
wound, the blood plumbing system hydraulically coupled to the
pumping system between the simulated blood pump and the simulated
blood reservoir, blood plumbing system configured to communicate
the simulated blood to at least one of the simulated hemorrhage
wound and the simulated blood reservoir, the blood plumbing system
further configured to reduce or at least substantially stop a flow
of the simulated blood to the simulated hemorrhage wound upon
proper performance of a hemorrhage control procedure.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the simulated hemorrhage wound
further includes a bottom layer and a top layer attached together
and forming a simulated wound cavity therebetween, said top layer
made to simulate human skin and including an opening configured to
simulate a wound to said human skin, the bottom layer and the top
layer configured to rest against each other in a relaxed state,
minimizing a volume of the simulated wound cavity, and further
configured to be deformable away from each other upon application
of a physical force, dynamically increasing said volume of the
simulated wound cavity; wherein the blood plumbing system includes
a simulated blood vessel that extends into the simulated wound
cavity, said simulated blood vessel being manually deformable, said
simulated blood vessel configured to expel the simulated blood into
the simulated wound cavity; and wherein the simulated hemorrhage
wound is further configured to reduce the simulated bleeding from
the junctional bleeding wound upon application of pressure
proximate the simulated blood vessel, to resume the simulated
bleeding from the junctional bleeding wound upon removal of said
pressure proximate the simulated blood vessel, to stop the
simulated bleeding from the junctional bleeding wound upon
performance of a ligation procedure on said simulated blood vessel,
and to stop the simulated bleeding from the junctional bleeding
wound upon performance of a compression procedure on the simulated
blood vessel.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the simulated blood reservoir
is at least semi-transparent and configured to show that the
simulated blood has flowed into the simulated blood reservoir
indicating that the flow of the simulated blood through simulated
blood vessel was restricted.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of currently pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/859,112, filed Dec. 29, 2017 and
entitled "multi-junctional bleeding simulator"; which claims the
benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.
62/441,064, filed Dec. 30, 2016 and entitled "multi-junctional
bleeding simulator"; all of which are incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to casualty
simulation and medical response team training systems, such as a
wearable medical training device. The present disclosure is more
particularly, though not exclusively, a simulated wound apparatus
allowing the wearer to simulate injuries for purposes of casualty
simulation and medical response training.
Related Art
[0003] Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death on the
battlefield. For the injured having potentially survivable wounds,
ninety percent die from uncontrolled hemorrhage. Some of the most
challenging blood vessels are the carotid arteries, the axillary
arteries, and the femoral arteries. The carotid arteries supply the
head and neck with oxygenated blood. The axillary arteries are
large blood vessel that convey oxygenated blood to the lateral
aspects of the thorax, each axilla (armpits) and the upper limbs.
The femoral arteries are large arteries in the thigh, and the main
arterial supply to the thigh and leg. It enters the thigh from
behind the inguinal ligament in the inguinal region of the body
(also known as the groin) as the continuation of the external iliac
artery.
[0004] The majority of combat fatalities occur forward of a medical
treatment facility. To raise the probability of survival from a
bleeding wound so the injured may reach a medical treatment
facility, the hemorrhage must be controlled immediately. To stop
the bleeding, first responders are taught to find the wound and to
stop the bleeding by occluding the blood vessel by compression or
ligation. By applying direct pressure to the wound, it is possible
the damaged blood vessel may be compressed closed. Alternatively,
the damaged blood vessel may be compressed upstream with a
tourniquet to cut off blood flow to the damaged blood vessel.
Additionally, the wound may be compacted with material to obstruct
the damaged blood vessel or the damaged blood vessel may be
directly ligated. Under the extreme conditions and pressures of a
combat zone, proper training is needed to ensure the correct
procedure is performed to stop a hemorrhage and to save a life.
[0005] As is well known, and widely accepted, partial task
simulators and training aids can be very effective for teaching
individuals how to perform a wide variety of different tasks. More
specifically, they can be extremely helpful for teaching an
individual how to perform certain medical procedures during a
life-threatening, emergency situation. In this context, and of
particular importance for the present disclosure, are those medical
procedures that are required for hemorrhage control in a combat
zone. The import here is two-fold. Firstly, the partial task
simulator should effectively augment the educational background
that is necessary to assess an emergency situation. Secondly, it
should serve as a tool with which a person can learn how to respond
to an emergency situation by properly performing essential
life-saving tasks. The efficacy of any partial task simulator or
training aid, however, is dependent on the realism it provides and
its ability to simulate or mimic an environment where the task is
to be actually performed.
[0006] With the above in mind, a catastrophic event presents a
situation wherein the proper training of emergency medical
personnel can be invaluable. Regardless whether the event is the
result of an accident, a natural disaster or some form of combat,
the consequence of a first response to the event may make the
difference between life and death. In such instances, the ability
of medical personnel to rapidly and reliably attend to wounds and
injuries is of crucial importance. Practice on partial task
simulators such as medical mannequins, while valuable as teaching
aids, are limited by the mannequin's immobility, weight, expense
and minimal interaction with the medical personnel.
[0007] In light of the above, it is an object of the present
disclosure to provide a device for realistically and dynamically
simulating the wounds and injuries on a person (e.g., role player,
actor) that can be received during a traumatic event. Another
object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that
effectively functions as a training aid to teach a person how to
treat the wounds and injuries that can be received by a person
during a traumatic event. Another object of the present disclosure
is to provide a device that effectively functions as a training aid
that allows verbal and gesticular interaction between a live human
wearing the device and a first responder who is treating the person
wearing the device. Still another object of the present disclosure
is to provide a training aid for teaching how to treat wounds and
injuries that is easy to use, is simple to manufacture and is
comparatively cost effective.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 10,217,380 issued to Parry et al. on Feb. 26,
2019 shows a wound box trainer applicable to training personnel in
the treatment of a traumatic injury is presented. The wound box
trainer includes a case, a compressible body, a wound structure,
and an annular cavity. The case further includes a base and a lid.
The compressible body simulates a portion of a body and further
includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The compressible body
resides within the base. The wound structure simulates an injury
disposed along the compressible body. The wound structure includes
a wound cavity which extends into the compressible body. An annular
cavity extends into the compressible body about the wound cavity.
The annular cavity permits movement and/or expansion of a wall
defined by and between the wound cavity and the annular cavity when
probed by a finger or instrument and packed with gauze, bandages,
and the like during treatment of the wound structure to stem blood
lose from a bleed tube. The wound box trainer overcomes identified
deficiencies of body worn trainers by virtue of being disposed
within a carrying case.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,904 issued to Bloom on Nov. 24, 1998
shows a phlebotomy training device including a core member
incorporating a network of channels wherein resilient tubing is
placed to form artificial veins and arteries. The tubing
communicates with a fluid reservoir disposed at a proximal end of
the device for maintaining the tubing full of fluid. A membrane
covers the device and presents a puncture resistant characteristics
similar to that of skin. The device is adapted for attachment to a
person's arm so that a student can practice venipuncture techniques
on a live subject, including the proper positioning of an actual
human arm, without the risks associated with puncturing living
tissue.
[0010] The present disclosure is directed toward overcoming known
problems and problems discovered by the inventor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure generally pertain to
towards a wearable medical training device. Aspects of the present
disclosure more specifically are directed toward a device for
training of hemorrhage control procedures on junctional
bleeding.
[0012] A wearable medical training device to be worn by a wearer
for simulation of junctional bleeding of the wearer is disclosed
herein. The wearable medical training device includes a user
interface configured to be worn by the wearer proximate a junction
of the wearer when worn, a simulated hemorrhaging wound coupled to
the user interface and configured to simulate a wound bleeding from
said junction, and a blood feed coupled to the user interface and
the simulated hemorrhage wound. The blood feed is configured to
communicate a simulated blood to the simulated hemorrhaging wound,
and further configured to reduce or at least substantially stop a
flow of the simulated blood to the simulated hemorrhaging wound
upon proper performance of a hemorrhage control procedure.
[0013] According to one embodiment, a multi-junctional bleeding
simulator to be worn by a wearer for simulation of junctional
bleeding of the wearer is also disclosed herein. The
multi-junctional bleeding simulator includes a multi-junctional
attachment unit, a simulated hemorrhage wound coupled to the
multi-junctional attachment unit, and a blood plumbing system
coupled to the multi-junctional attachment unit and the simulated
hemorrhage wound. The multi-junctional attachment unit is
configured to be worn by the wearer proximate a neck junction,
repositioned and worn by the wearer proximate an axillary junction
of the wearer, and further repositioned and worn by the wearer
proximate an inguinal junction. The simulated hemorrhage wound is
configured to simulate a junctional bleeding wound and simulated
bleeding from said junctional bleeding wound. The blood plumbing
system is configured to communicate a simulated blood to the
simulated hemorrhage wound, and is further configured to reduce or
at least substantially stop a flow of the simulated blood to the
simulated hemorrhage wound upon proper performance of a hemorrhage
control procedure.
[0014] According to one embodiment, a system for training
hemorrhage control procedures on a wearer is also disclosed herein.
The system includes a pumping system and a wearable medical
training device or a multi-junctional bleeding simulator to be worn
by the wearer for simulation of junctional bleeding of the wearer,
as described above. The pumping system included a supply of a
simulated blood, a simulated blood pump configured to transmit the
simulated blood, and a simulated blood reservoir configured to
receive the simulated blood. The blood plumbing system is
hydraulically coupled to the pumping system between the simulated
blood pump and the simulated blood reservoir, and is configured to
communicate the simulated blood to at least one of the simulated
hemorrhage wound and the simulated blood reservoir.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The nature, objects, and advantages of the present
disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art
after considering the following detailed description in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
designate like parts throughout, and wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, showing a simulated wound with a simulated blood vessel,
according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, showing a first silicone layer simulating skin with an
open wound, a second silicone layer simulating skin, and a silicone
tube simulating a blood vessel, according to one embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator, showing the simulated wound compacted with
gauze to stop the simulated wound from bleeding, according to one
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator, showing the simulated blood vessel being
ligated to stop the simulated wound from bleeding, according to one
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator, configured as a wearable medical training
device (e.g., including a protective layer, a padding layer, and
securing straps), according to one embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, with a protective layer, a padding layer, and securing
straps, according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator, showing a simulated wound with a simulated
blood vessel, according to an alternate embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, showing a first silicone layer simulating skin with an
open wound, a second silicone layer simulating skin, and a tubing
system simulating a blood vessel system, according to one
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a cutaway view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 9, according to one
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment
of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator, showing the simulated
wound compacted with gauze to stop the simulated wound from
bleeding, according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment
of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator, showing the simulated
blood vessel being ligated to stop the simulated wound from
bleeding, according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a front view of a multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, with a neck strap and an extended strap, according to an
alternate embodiment of the disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a back view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, with a neck strap and an extended strap, according to
one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a front view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a back view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a front view of the neck strap of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator, according to one embodiment of
the disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a back view of the neck strap of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator, according to one embodiment of
the disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a front view of the extended strap of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator, according to one embodiment of
the disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a back view of the extended strap of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator, according to one embodiment of
the disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a front view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, attached to the neck junction of a live actor, according
to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a back view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, attached to the neck junction of a live actor, according
to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a left side view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, attached to the neck junction of a live actor, according
to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 26 is a right side view of the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator, attached to the neck junction of a live actor,
according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 27 is a front view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, attached to the axillary junction of a live actor,
according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 28 is a back view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, attached to the axillary junction of a live actor,
according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 29 is a right side view of the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator, attached to the axillary junction of a live
actor, according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 30 is a left side view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, attached to the axillary junction of a live actor,
according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 31 is a front view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, attached to the inguinal junction of a live actor,
according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 32 is a back view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, attached to the inguinal junction of a live actor,
according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 33 is a left side view of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator, attached to the inguinal junction of a live actor,
according to one embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0049] FIG. 34 is a right side view of the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator, attached to the inguinal junction of a live
actor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] The multi-junctional bleeding simulator of the present
disclosure is designed as a wearable medical training device, or
more particularly, a human worn partial task hemorrhage control
simulator. The wearable medical training device may include a user
interface configured to be worn by the wearer proximate a junction
of the wearer when worn. In particular, the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator may be designed to be worn in at least one of
three positions as follows: bilateral anterior-frontal-peracervical
("neck" or "neck junction"), bilateral axillary ("armpit" or
"axillary junction"), and bilateral anterior-inguinal ("groin" or
"inguinal junction"). The neck junction is just forward of the
junction of the neck and the trunk of the body on both left and
right sides. The axillary junction is the junction of the arm and
flank around the armpit on both the left and right side. The
inguinal junction is the front side of the junction of the leg and
the pelvis to the side of the genital on both left and right side.
The placement of the device at the neck junction may simulate a
severed carotid artery. The placement of the device at the axillary
junction may simulate a severed axillary artery. The placement of
the device at the inguinal junction may simulate a severed femoral
artery.
[0051] The multi-junctional bleeding simulator may further include
a simulated hemorrhaging wound coupled to the user interface and
configured to simulate bleeding, and a blood feed coupled to the
simulated hemorrhage wound. The blood feed may be configured to
communicate a fluid (e.g., simulated blood) to the simulated
hemorrhage wound. In particular, the blood feed may include a
simulated blood vessel and associated plumbing. When worn by a
wearer (e.g., a live actor), the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator may provide for users to safely simulate hemorrhaging in
some of the most challenging blood vessels in the most challenging
anatomical locations.
[0052] The simulated hemorrhaging wound may also be configured to
reduce or stop the simulated bleeding (i.e., reduce or
substantially stop blood flow) upon proper performance of a
hemorrhage control procedure, such as compression and ligation. In
this way, the multi-junctional bleeding simulator may further
provide the ability for users to safely perform hemorrhage control
procedures. For example, the simulated wound of the device may be
compressed with emergency trauma dressing to control hemorrhage.
The simulated wound cavity or receptacle of the device may be
packed with hemostatic gauze or simple gauze to control hemorrhage.
Also for example, the simulated blood vessel of the device may be
ligated with hemostats or other ligating instruments or material
and bandaged with pressure dressings to control hemorrhage.
[0053] In an embodiment of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator
of the present disclosure, the multi-junctional bleeding simulator
may include a top layer of silicone and a bottom layer of silicone
adhered around the margins to create a receptacle or cavity,
wherein the silicone layers simulate human skin. The top layer of
silicone includes an opening simulating a wound to the body such as
an abrasion, an excoriation, a hematoma, a laceration, an incision,
a puncture wound, a contusion, a crushing injury, or a ballistic
trauma.
[0054] Penetrating through the bottom layer may be a silicone tube
with a first end and a second end. The silicone tube may be
elastic, or otherwise non-rigid. The first end of the tube
penetrates through the bottom layer of silicone and resides in the
receptacle/cavity to simulate a damaged blood vessel. The second
end of the tube may be attached to a blood pumping system that
supplies blood to the tube to simulate a bleeding damaged blood
vessel. The elasticity of the tube allows for the compression
and/or ligation to occlude the tube. The receptacle allows the
compaction of material into the receptacle to occlude the opening
of the tube.
[0055] In an alternative embodiment of the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator of the present disclosure, the tubing of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator may be replaced with a tubing
system. The tubing system includes a primary tube, a feed tube, and
an exhaust tube. The primary tube penetrates the bottom layer of
silicone and resides in the receptacle. Attached to the primary
tube, outside the receptacle, is a Y-connector. The main branch of
the Y-connector is attached to the primary tube, the first branch
of the Y-connector is connected to the feed tube, and a bypass
valve is attached to the second branch of the Y-connector. Attached
to the bypass valve is the exhaust tube. The bypass valve is
normally closed and fully opens only when a predetermined pressure
is met. The bypass valve also has a cracking pressure which opens
the bypass valve a small amount. Fluid flow through the exhaust
tube will indicate to the user that the proper application of
pressure was applied to the wound to slow or stop the bleeding.
[0056] As above, it is contemplated that the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator of the present disclosure may include the user
interface for multiple body locations. In particular, the user
interface may be embodied as a multi-junctional attachment unit
that facilitates the attachment of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator to various locations on a live actor. The
multi-junctional attachment unit may include an adjustable limb
strap, a neck strap, and/or an extended strap. The multi-junctional
attachment unit with the adjustable limb strap facilitates
attachment to the axillary and inguinal junctions, the neck strap
facilitates attachment to the neck junction, and the extended strap
facilitates the attachment to the axillary junction and the
inguinal junction of a live actor. The Multi-Junctional Attachment
Device includes a base protection layer, a padding layer, and a
cover. The base layer is a puncture and cut resistant layer to
protect the live actor wearing the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator. The padding layer increases stability and decreases the
movement of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator when worn. The
cover provides a uniform look and color to the multi-junctional
attachment unit.
[0057] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a
multi-junctional bleeding simulator in accordance with one
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and
generally designated 100. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator
100, when used by a live actor, allows users to safely simulate
hemorrhaging in some of the most challenging blood vessels such as
the carotid artery, the axillary artery, and the femoral artery
located in the most challenging anatomical locations. The
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 provides real-time
hemorrhage that can be controlled in real-time by performing the
correct hemorrhage control procedures, such as compression and
ligation. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 may be
compressed with direct pressure from a person or emergency trauma
dressing, may be packed with hemostatic or simple gauze, ligated
with hemostats or other ligating instruments or material, and
bandaged with pressure dressings to control the simulated
hemorrhage. The application of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 on a live actor allows the live actor to provide the
responses and actions of an injured person to provide an additional
level of realism that a medical mannequin cannot provide.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 is shown. As shown, the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 may include an outer layer
(e.g., a top silicone layer 110), an inner layer (e.g., a second or
bottom silicone layer 120), and a simulated blood vessel (e.g., a
silicone tube 130). The outer layer and the inner layer may be
peripherally joined together or otherwise formed to create a
simulated wound receptacle or cavity, and the simulated blood
vessel may be inserted into the simulated wound receptacle such
that simulated blood may be introduced into the cavity via the
simulated blood vessel and egress the cavity via the simulated
wound.
[0059] The top silicone layer 110 may be constructed of silicone
and simulated to look and feel like human skin. This may include
manufacturing the top silicone layer 110 with surface texture to
mimic certain portions of the human skin and adding color. As
shown, the top silicone layer 110 may have a length 114, a width
116, and a peripheral margin 112. Also as shown, an opening 118
constructed to simulate a wound may be located approximately in the
center of the top silicone layer 110. The wound can be of any
variety such as an abrasion, an excoriation, a hematoma, a
laceration, an incision, a puncture wound, a contusion, a crushing
injury, or a ballistic trauma. In the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100, the opening 118 may be constructed to simulate a
laceration.
[0060] The bottom silicone layer 120 may be constructed of silicone
and simulated to look and feel like human skin similar to top
silicone layer 110. As above, the bottom silicone layer 120 may
have a length 124, width 126, and a peripheral margin 122.
According to one embodiment, the bottom silicone layer 120 may
include a hole 128 to accommodate the silicone tube 130, which may
be located off-center in the bottom silicone layer 120, or
otherwise in "misalignment" with the opening 118 of the top
silicone layer 110.
[0061] The silicone tube 130, having a first end 132 and a second
end 134, is inserted through the hole 128 where a small section of
the silicone tube 130 adjacent the first end 132 is placed. The
location of the opening 118 and the hole 128 is not meant to be
limiting and it is contemplated that the location of the opening
118 and the hole 128 may be changed to simulate a particular
wound.
[0062] As shown, the top silicone layer 110 and the bottom silicone
layer 120 may have substantially the same dimensions. Further, the
top silicone layer 110 and the bottom silicone layer 120 may be
aligned and attached together at their respective peripheral
margins 112 and 122 creating the simulated wound receptacle/cavity
(receptacle 140, shown in FIG. 1) with a volume defined by the
surface area of the top silicone layer 110 within the peripheral
margin 112 and the surface area of the bottom silicone layer 120
within peripheral margin 122. The ability of silicone to stretch
provides a dynamic volume for the receptacle 140 where the maximum
volume is at the silicone's maximum stretched dimensions. When not
stretched, the volume of the receptacle 140 is approximately zero
as the top silicone layer 110 lies flat against the bottom silicone
layer 120. When stretched, the volume of the receptacle 140 changes
to accommodate the needed volume. The receptacle 140 is accessible
through the opening 118. The opening 118 also provides access to
the section of silicone tube 130 adjacent the first end 132
residing in the receptacle 140.
[0063] It is contemplated that the bottom silicone layer 120 may
have larger dimensions than the top silicone layer 110, where the
peripheral margin 122 of the bottom silicone layer 120 will not
align with the peripheral margin 112 of the top silicone layer 110.
In this instance the top silicone layer 110 will be attached to the
bottom silicone layer 120 where the respective peripheral margins
will not align. The volume will be defined by the surface area of
the top silicone layer 110 within the peripheral margin 112 and the
bottom silicone layer 120 within peripheral margin 112 of the
silicone layer. The shape of the top silicone layer 110 and the
bottom silicone layer 120 is not meant to be limiting and it is
contemplated that the top silicone layer 110 and the bottom
silicone layer 120 may be circular, semi-circular, rectangular,
quadrilateral, or any other shape needed to simulate a particular
wound.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 3, a cutaway view of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 taken along lines 3-3 of
FIG. 1 is shown. As shown, the multi-junctional bleeding simulator
100 includes the top silicone layer 110 attached to the bottom
silicone layer 120 at the peripheral margins 112 and 122,
respectively. The top silicone layers 110 and the bottom silicone
layer 120 have been stretched to increase the volume of receptacle
140 of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 to show the
first end 132 of silicone tube 130 within the receptacle 140.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 4, a cutaway view of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 taken along lines 4-4 of
FIG. 1 is shown. As shown, the multi-junctional bleeding simulator
100 includes the top silicone layer 110 attached to the bottom
silicone layer 120 at the peripheral margins 112 and 122,
respectively. The top silicone layers 110 and the bottom silicone
layer 120 have been stretched to increase the volume of receptacle
140 of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 to show the
first end 132 of silicone tube 130 within the receptacle 140.
Opening 118 provides access to the receptacle 140 and the first end
132 of silicone tube 130.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 5, the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 is shown simulating a hemorrhaging wound. The top
silicone layer 110 simulates the skin of a human where the opening
118 simulates an open wound and the receptacle 140 simulates an
open cavity. In the multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100, the
silicone tubing may have diameter of approximately 0.5 inches. The
first end 132 (not shown) of the silicone tube 130 simulates a
ruptured blood vessel within the open the open cavity. The second
end 134 of silicone tubing 130 is attached to a blood pumping
system capable of flowing simulated blood up to 0.75 liters per
minute. The blood pumping system provides a fluid flow of simulated
blood in direction 152 into the silicone tubing 130. This provides
simulated bleeding through the first end 132 to simulate a
hemorrhaging wound where a user may practice the application of
gauze 150 to stop a bleeding wound. In particular, the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 may simulate an injury to
the carotid artery at the neck junction, the axillary artery at the
axillary junction, and the femoral artery at the inguinal
junction.
[0067] As shown, the receptacle 140 has been packed with gauze 150
through opening 118 to attempt to stop the bleeding. The use of
hemostatic gauze 150 to stop bleeding from hemorrhaging wounds is
known in the art and has been implemented in the field for many
years. Generally, to stop the bleeding from a traumatic injury
using a packing material such as gauze 150, it is recommended that
pressure be first applied to the general vicinity of the wound to
control the bleeding, as the gauze 150 and other supplies are
retrieved for use. Once the gauze 150 and supplies are retrieved,
the specific location of the bleed should be identified and direct
pressure applied. The wound should then be packed with the gauze
150 until no more gauze 150 may be inserted and then wrapped with
pressure dressings to provide pressure on the gauze and wound.
[0068] According to one embodiment, the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 may simulate a bleeding wound and may be packed with
gauze 150 to stop bleeding, in order to train users and prepare
them for real world situations. To stop the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator 100 from bleeding using a packing material such
as gauze 150, pressure may be first applied to multi-junctional
bleeding simulator 100 over the general vicinity of the opening 118
to control the bleeding as the gauze 150 and other supplies are
retrieved. By applying pressure over the general vicinity of the
opening 118, the first end 132 of the silicone tube 130 may be
compressed making the opening 118 narrow and slowing blood flow out
of the silicone tube 130.
[0069] Once the gauze 150 and supplies are retrieved, the opening
118 may be stretched to access the receptacle 140 to identify the
specific location of the bleed, the first end 132 of the silicone
tube 130. Direct pressure can then be applied to the first end 132
of the silicone tube 130 to stop bleeding and the receptacle 140
may be packed with gauze 150 until no more gauze 150 can be packed,
which should stop the bleeding.
[0070] To stop the multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 from
pumping blood into the silicone tube 130, the blood pumping system
can be turned off once the procedure is complete or the blood
pumping system may be fitted with a pressure sensor that turns off
the pumping mechanism when a predetermined pressure in the silicone
tube 130 is reached.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 6, the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 is shown simulating a hemorrhaging wound. The top
silicone layer 110 simulates the skin of a human where the opening
118 simulates an open wound and the receptacle 140 simulates an
open cavity. The first end 132 of the silicone tube 130 simulates a
ruptured blood vessel within the open the open cavity. The second
end 134 of silicone tubing 130 is attached to a blood pumping
system. The blood pumping system provides a fluid flow of simulated
blood in direction 152 into the silicone tubing 130. This provides
simulated bleeding through the first end 132 to simulate a
hemorrhaging wound where a user may practice the ligation to stop a
bleeding wound.
[0072] As shown, the first end 132 of the silicone tube 130 has
been clamped with a clamp 160 and tied with a suture 162. Ligation
to stop bleeding from hemorrhaging wounds is known in the art and
has been implemented in the field for many years, but is not as
quick, easy, or simple as packing a bleeding wound with gauze to
stop the bleeding. Ligation requires more training compared to
packing wounds with gauze. Generally, to stop the bleeding from a
traumatic injury by ligation, it is recommended that pressure be
first applied to the general vicinity of the wound to control the
bleeding as a clamp 160, sutures 162, and other supplies are
retrieved for use. Once the clamp 160, sutures 162, and other
supplies are retrieved, the wound should be explored to identify
the ruptured blood vessel. Once identified, the ruptured blood
vessel/s should be clamped with clamp 160 and ligated with sutures
162 to stop the bleeding.
[0073] The multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 simulates a
bleeding wound and may be ligated to stop bleeding in order to
train users and prepare them for real world situations. To stop the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 from bleeding by ligating
the simulated blood vessel, pressure may be first applied to
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 over the general vicinity
of the opening 118 to control the bleeding as the clamp 160,
sutures 162, and other supplies are retrieved for use. By applying
pressure over the general vicinity of the opening 118, the first
end 132 of the silicone tube 130 may be compressed making the
opening narrow and slowing down the bleed. Once clamp 160, sutures
162, and supplies are retrieved, the opening 118 may be stretched
to access the receptacle 140 to identify the specific location of
the bleed, the first end 132 of tube 130. The clamp 160 can then be
applied to the first end 132 of the silicone tube 130 to stop
bleeding. Once clamped, the first end 132 of the silicone tube 130
may be ligated with sutures 162. To stop the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator 100 from pumping blood into the silicone tube
130, the blood pumping system can be turned off once the procedure
is complete or the blood pumping system may be fitted with a
pressure sensor that turns off the pumping mechanism when a
predetermined pressure in the silicone tube 130 is reached.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 7, the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100, described in conjunction with FIG. 8, is shown with
a user interface, generally including a protective layer 170, a
layer of padding 180, and securing straps 190. The protective layer
170 may have a length 172 and width 174, and may be attached to the
underside of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100.
[0075] The protective layer 170 may be made of a layer of ABS with
a neoprene coating that is puncture and cut resistant. The
protective layer 170 provides a safety barrier to prevent the live
actor from being harmed during rigorous training activities. The
padding layer 180 may also have a length 182 and width 184, and may
be attached to the underside of the protective layer 170. The
padding layer 180 may be configured to contact and conform itself
around the live actor, and further to provide a friction surface to
decrease the movement of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator
100 when used in dynamic training.
[0076] The securing straps 190 may include two straps attached to
the underside of the protective layer 170, placed between the
protective layer 170 and the padding layer 180. Each securing strap
190 may include a strap 192 with a fastener (e.g., here, a square
buckle 194) at one end, and a receiver (e.g., here, a hook portion
196) at the opposite end, with a loop portion 198 adjacent the hook
portion 196. This allows for the adjustment of the length of the
strap 192 when used to secure the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 to a live actor. It is contemplated that the strap
192 may be fitted with different types of clasps, buckles, and
fasteners.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator
in accordance with the present disclosure is shown and generally
designated 200. The multi-junctional bleeding simulator 200,
described in conjunction with FIG. 10, includes a top silicone
layer 210, a second silicone layer 220, and a tubing system
230.
[0078] The top silicone layer 210 is constructed of silicone and
simulated to look and feel like human skin. This includes
manufacturing the top silicone layer 210 with surface texture to
mimic certain portions of the human skin and adding color. The top
silicone layer 210 has a length 214, width 216, and a peripheral
margin 212. Located approximately in the center of the top silicone
layer 210 is an opening 218 constructed to simulate a wound. The
wound can be of any variety such as an abrasion, an excoriation, a
hematoma, a laceration, an incision, a puncture wound, a contusion,
a crushing injury, or a ballistic trauma. In the preferred
embodiment, the opening 218 is constructed to simulate a
laceration.
[0079] The bottom silicone layer 220 is constructed of silicone and
simulated to look and feel like human skin, similar to top silicone
layer 210. The bottom silicone layer 220 has a length 224, width
226 and a peripheral margin 222. Located off center in the bottom
silicone layer 220 is a hole 228 to accommodate the tubing system
230.
[0080] The top silicone layer 210 and the bottom silicone layer 220
may be substantially similar to the top silicone layer 110 and the
bottom silicone layer 110 of the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 and may be attached in substantially the same way.
Here, the top silicone layer 210 and the bottom silicone layer 220
have the same dimensions. The top silicone layer 210 and the bottom
silicone layer 220 are aligned and attached together at their
respective peripheral margins 212 and 222 creating a simulated
wound receptacle/cavity (receptacle 240) with a volume generally
defined by the surface of the top silicone layer 210 within the
peripheral margin 212 and the bottom silicone layer 220 within
peripheral margin 222. As above, the ability of silicone to stretch
provides a dynamic volume for the receptacle 240. When not
stretched, the volume of the receptacle 240 is approximately zero
as the top silicone layer 210 lies flat against the bottom silicone
layer 220. When stretched, the volume of the receptacle 240
changes. The receptacle 240 is accessible through the opening 218.
The opening 218 also provides access to the section of tubing
system 230 residing in the receptacle 240.
[0081] As illustrated, the tubing system 230 may generally include
a primary tube 231, a feed tube 232 and an exhaust tube 234. The
primary tube 231 enters the receptacle 240, for example,
penetrating through the hole 228 of the bottom silicone layer 220,
and may partially reside in the receptacle 240.
[0082] As shown a Y-connector 236 may be attached to the primary
tube 231, outside the receptacle 240. The main branch of the
Y-connector 236 is attached to the primary tube 231, the first
branch of the Y-connector 236 is connected to the feed tube 232,
and the second branch of the Y-connector 236 is attached to a
bypass valve 238. Attached to the bypass valve 238 is the exhaust
tube 234.
[0083] According to one embodiment, the bypass valve 238 may be
normally closed, and may fully open only when a predetermined
pressure is met. The bypass valve 238 may also have a cracking
pressure which partially opens the bypass valve 238 when pressure
is present in the system.
[0084] The feed tube 232 is provided with a fluid flow by a blood
pumping system. The feed tube 232 provides a fluid flow pathway
from the blood pumping system to the first branch of the
Y-connecter 236. The bypass valve 238 is normally closed and
prevents fluid flow through the second branch of the Y-connecter
236. As a result, the fluid flows through the main branch of the
Y-connector 236 and out the primary tube 234 under normal
conditions. Under circumstances where the primary tube 234 is
restricted, the back pressure in the primary tube 231 may open the
bypass valve 238. Depending on the pressure in the primary tube
231, the bypass valve 238 may be either partially open or fully
open. In either circumstance, fluid will begin to flow into the
exhaust tube 234. Attached to the exhaust tube 234 may be a
reservoir (not shown). The reservoir may be transparent or
semi-transparent to show that fluid has flowed into the reservoir
indicating that the fluid flow through primary tube 231 was
restricted.
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 11, a cutaway view of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 200 taken along lines 11-11 of
FIG. 9 is shown. As shown, the multi-junctional bleeding simulator
200 includes the top silicone layer 210 attached to the bottom
silicone layer 220 at the peripheral margins 212 and 222,
respectively. The top silicone layers 210 and the bottom silicone
layer 220 have been stretched to increase the volume of receptacle
240 of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator 200 to show the
primary tube 231 of the tubing system 230 within the receptacle
240.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 12, the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 200 is shown simulating a hemorrhaging wound. The top
silicone layer 210 simulates the skin of a human where the opening
218 simulates an open wound and the receptacle 240 simulates an
open cavity. The primary tube 231 (not shown) simulates a ruptured
blood vessel within the open cavity 240. The feed tube 232 is
attached to a blood pumping system. The blood pumping system
provides a fluid flow of simulated blood in direction 152 into the
feed tube 232. This provides simulated bleeding through the primary
tube 231 of the tubing system 230 to simulate a hemorrhaging wound
where a user may practice the application of gauze 150 to stop a
bleeding wound where gauze is used to stop bleeding.
[0087] As shown, the receptacle 240 has been packed with gauze 150
through opening 218 to attempt to stop the bleeding. The
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 200 simulates a bleeding wound
and may be packed with gauze 150 to stop bleeding in order to train
users and prepare them for real world situations. To stop the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 200 from bleeding using a
packing material such as gauze 150, pressure may be first applied
to multi-junctional bleeding simulator 200 over the general
vicinity of the opening 218 to control the bleeding. as the gauze
150 and other supplies are retrieved for use.
[0088] By applying pressure over the general vicinity of the
opening 218, the primary tube 231 of the tubing system 230 may be
compressed making the opening narrow. This will create backpressure
in the tubing system 230 and will either partially open or fully
open the bypass valve 238 to flow fluid through the exhaust tube
234 in direction 154 and into a transparent or semi-transparent
reservoir. Fluid flow through the exhaust tube 234 and within the
reservoir will indicate to the user that the proper application of
pressure was applied to the wound to slow or stop the bleeding.
[0089] Once the gauze 150 and supplies are retrieved for use, the
opening 218 may be stretched open to access the receptacle 240, and
to identify the specific location of the bleed (the primary tube
231 of the tubing system 230). When taking the pressure off the
general vicinity of the wound, the bypass valve 238 closes and the
maximum fluid flow of the fluid flows through the primary tube
231.
[0090] Once the primary tube 231 is found, due to the flowing
fluid, direct pressure can then be applied to the primary tube 231
to stop the bleeding, and the receptacle 240 may be packed with
gauze 150 until no more gauze 150 can be packed, which should stop
the bleeding.
[0091] If the gauze 150 was properly packed into the wound, the
primary tube 231 should be occluded, and the bypass valve 238
should be fully open due to the back pressure created by the
occluded primary tube 231 meeting the opening pressure of the
bypass valve 238. The maximum fluid flow of the fluid then flows
through the exhaust tube 234 and fills the reservoir, indicating
that the wound was properly packed and occluded.
[0092] If the gauze 150 was not properly packed, the primary tube
231 will still flow fluid indicating that the primary tube 231 was
not properly occluded. This will create a marginal amount of back
pressure in the tubing system 230. This back pressure will
partially open the bypass valve 238 and a slow trickle of fluid
flows through the exhaust tube 234 and fills the reservoir,
providing an additional indicator that the wound was not properly
packed and occluded.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 13, the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 200 is shown simulating a hemorrhaging wound where
ligation is used to stop bleeding. The top silicone layer 210
simulates the skin of a human where the opening 218 simulates an
open wound and the receptacle 240 simulates an open cavity. The
primary tube 231 simulates a ruptured blood vessel within the open
cavity 240. The feed tube 232 is attached to a blood pumping
system. The blood pumping system provides a fluid flow of simulated
blood in direction 152 into the feed tube 232. This provides
simulated bleeding through the primary tube 231 of the tubing
system 230 to simulate a hemorrhaging wound where a user may
practice ligation to stop a bleeding wound.
[0094] As shown, the primary tube 231 has been clamped with a clamp
160 and tied with a suture 262. The multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 200 simulates a bleeding wound and may be ligated to stop
bleeding in order to train users and prepare them for real world
situations. As above, to stop the multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 200 from bleeding by ligating the simulated blood vessel,
pressure may be first applied to multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 200 over the general vicinity of the opening 218 to
control the bleeding, as the clamp 160, sutures 262, and other
supplies are retrieved for use.
[0095] By applying pressure over the general vicinity of the
opening 218, the primary tube 231 of the tubing system 230 may be
compressed making the opening narrow. This will create backpressure
in the tubing system 230 and will either partially open or fully
open the bypass valve 238 to flow fluid through the exhaust tube
234 in direction 154 and into a transparent or semi-transparent
reservoir. Fluid flow through the exhaust tube 234 and within the
reservoir will indicate to the user that the proper application of
pressure was applied to the wound to slow or stop the bleeding.
[0096] Once clamp 160, sutures 262, and supplies are retrieved for
use, the opening 218 may be stretched open to access the receptacle
240, and to identify the specific location of the bleed, (the
primary tube 231 of the tubing system 230). When taking the
pressure off the general vicinity of the wound, the bypass valve
238 closes and the maximum fluid flow of the fluid flows through
the primary tube 231.
[0097] Once the primary tube 231 is found, due to the flowing
fluid, the clamp 160 (and/or direct pressure) can then be applied
to the primary tube 231 to stop the bleeding. Further, once
clamped, the primary tube 231 may be ligated with sutures 262 to
stop the bleeding.
[0098] If the primary tube 231 was properly ligated, the primary
tube 231 should be occluded, and the bypass valve 238 should be
fully open due to the back pressure created by the occluded primary
tube 231 meeting the opening pressure of the bypass valve 238. The
maximum fluid flow of the fluid flows through the exhaust tube 234
and fills the reservoir, indicating that the wound was properly
ligated and occluded.
[0099] If the suture 262 was not properly applied, the primary tube
231 will still flow fluid indicating that the primary tube 231 was
not properly occluded. This will create a marginal amount of back
pressure in the tubing system 230. This back pressure will
partially open the bypass valve 238 and a slow trickle of fluid
flows through the exhaust tube 234 and fills the reservoir,
providing an additional indicator that the wound was not properly
packed and occluded.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 14, in conjunction with FIG. 15, the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 is shown with a
multi-junctional attachment unit 300. The multi-junctional
attachment unit 300 includes a neck strap 380 and an extended strap
390. The multi-junctional attachment unit 300 with either the neck
strap 380 or the extended strap 390 may provide the ability for the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 to be attached to several
different areas of a live actor.
[0101] The multi-junctional attachment unit 300 with
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 can be worn in one of three
positions as follows: the neck junction, the axillary junction
(armpit), and the inguinal junction (groin). In particular, the
neck junction is just forward of the junction of the neck and the
trunk of the body on both left and right sides. The axillary
junction is the junction of the arm and flank around the armpit on
both the left and right sides. The inguinal junction is the front
side of the junction of the leg and the pelvis to the side of the
genital on both left and right sides. The placement of the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300 with multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 at the neck junction may simulate a severed carotid
artery, the placement at the axillary junction may simulate a
severed axillary artery, and the placement at the inguinal junction
may simulate a severed femoral artery, or any other blood vessel in
the designated areas.
[0102] Referring now to FIG. 16, an exploded view of the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300 is shown with the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100. The use of the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300 with the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator 100 is not meant to be limiting and it is
contemplated that the multi-junctional bleeding simulator 200 or
any other embodiment of the disclosure may be used with the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300.
[0103] According to one embodiment, and as shown, the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300 may include a base protection
layer 310, a padding layer 350, and a cover 360. The
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 may be attached to the
topside of the protection layer 310.
[0104] The base protection layer 310 may include an upper portion
312 and a lower portion 326. The upper portion 312 may have a right
edge 314, a right curved edge 316, a top edge 318, a left curved
edge 320, a left edge 322 and a bottom edge 324. The edges of the
upper portion 312 may form a rough semi-circular shape. Adjacent
the bottom edge 324 of the upper portion 312 is the lower portion
326. The lower portion 326 may have a top edge 328, a top-right
tapered edge 330, a right edge 332, a bottom-right tapered edge
334, a bottom edge 336, and a left edge 338.
[0105] The upper portion 312 and the lower portion 326 may be made
of ABS plastic with a neoprene coating that is puncture and cut
resistant. According to one embodiment, the upper portion 312 and
the lower portion 326 may be made of single sheet of ABS plastic
with a score line along the bottom edge 324 of the upper portion
and the top edge 328 of the lower portion to allow each portion to
easily move independent from the other portion. This may provide
the flexibility needed of the base protection layer 310 to adapt to
several different parts of a live actor. It is also contemplated
that the upper portion 312 and the lower portion 326 are separate
pieces joined together with a flexible material or other methods to
allow the upper portion 312 and the lower portion 326 to move
independently from the other.
[0106] The base protection layer 310 may further include one or
more fasteners. For example, the adjustable limb strap 340 may
include a first strap 341 with a friction buckle 342 attached to
the top edge 318 of the upper portion 312 and a second strap 344
attached to the left curved edge 320 of the upper portion. The
placement of the limb strap 340 at the upper edges of the upper
portion 312 allows the limb strap 340 to strap around the live
actor's arm or leg depending on the orientation of the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300.
[0107] Also for example, a male slide release buckle 348 may be
attached to the left edge 338 of the lower portion 326 with an
attachment strap 346. The male side release buckle 348 allows the
attachment of the neck strap 380 or the extended strap 390 to the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300. Formed into the lower portion
326 adjacent the top-right tapered edge 330 and bottom-right
tapered edge 334 is a slot 339 formed to receive the extended strap
390.
[0108] The padding layer 350 may include an upper portion 352 and a
lower portion 354 formed to have similar dimensions as the base
protection layer 310. The padding layer 350 is pliable and does not
need to have a score line, or similar, to allow the upper portion
352 to move independently of the lower portion 354. Formed in the
lower portion is slot 356 corresponding to the location of slot
339. The padding layer 350 may be attached to the underside of the
protection layer 310.
[0109] The cover 360 covers the assembly with the tube 130
protruding therefrom (e.g., out from the left edge 338). The cover
360 may include an upper portion 362, and a lower portion 364 that
mirrors the upper portion 362. The upper portion 362 may include a
slot 365 corresponding to the location of slots 356 and 339, and a
cover opening 368 corresponding to the location of the opening 118
of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100. To illustrate, the
upper portion 362 and the lower portion 364 may folded over each
other along an axis from which they are mirrored so as to cover the
rest of the assembly. A slot reinforcement 370 is attached to slots
365, 356, and 339.
[0110] Referring now to FIG. 17, a top view of the multi-junctional
attachment unit 300 with multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 is
shown. In particular, this would be an outward-facing view when the
assembly is worn. As shown, the opening 118 of the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator 100 simulating a puncture wound is exposed
through the cover 360. Special effects 373, simulating human skin,
is utilized to blend the cover 360 with the multi-junctional
bleeding simulator 100 to provide a seamless transition between the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 and the cover 360. The limb
strap 340 and the tube 130 protrude from the cover 360. The tube
130 includes an adapter 136 to connect to a blood pumping system to
provide a flow of simulated blood to the wound. By wearing the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300 with multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 under clothing, a realistic bleeding puncture wound
can be presented.
[0111] Referring now to FIG. 18, a bottom view of the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300 with multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 is shown. In particular, this would be an
inward-facing view when the assembly is worn. A hook portion 372 is
attached adjacent the slot 339. The hook portion 372 corresponds to
a loop portion of the neck strap 380, and/or to the extended strap
390. In other words, the hook portion 372 is configured to couple
to the neck strap 380, and/or to the extended strap 390 to
accommodate being worn on the various body junctions of the wearer,
as discussed above.
[0112] Referring now to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, a front view and a
back view of the neck strap 380 is shown, according to one
embodiment of the disclosure, which is configured to couple to the
hook portion 372 of the multi-junctional attachment unit 300, as
discussed above. In this way, the assembly may be strapped to the
user's neck when both are coupled together. As shown, the neck
strap 380 may include a strap 382 (shown in dashed lines) with a
female side release buckle 384 attached to one end. The strap 382
and the female side release buckle 384 are covered by a cover 386.
Attached to the strap 382, over the cover 386, and opposite to the
buckle 382, is a loop portion 388. The cover 386 is similar to the
cover 360. As discussed throughout the disclosure, it is understood
that many similar and/or equivalent embodiments are
contemplated.
[0113] Referring now to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, a front view and a
back view of the extended strap 390 is shown, according to one
embodiment of the disclosure, which is configured to couple to the
hook portion 372 of the multi-junctional attachment unit 300, as
discussed above. In this way, the assembly may be strapped to the
user's body (e.g., torso, leg, etc.) when both are coupled
together. As shown, the extended strap 390 may include a strap 392
(shown in dashed lines) with a female side release buckle 394
attached to one end. The strap 392 and the female side release
buckle 394 are covered by a cover 396. Attached to the strap 392,
over the cover 396, and opposite to the buckle 392, are a loop
portion 398 and a hook portion 399. The cover 396 is similar to the
cover 360. The extended strap 390 is substantially longer in length
than the neck strap 380. The extended strap is utilized to wrap
around the torso of a live actor, whereas the neck strap 380 is
utilized to wrap around the neck of a live actor. As discussed
throughout the disclosure, it is understood that many similar
and/or equivalent embodiments are contemplated.
[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 23-26, the multi-junctional
attachment unit 300 with multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 is
attached at the neck junction of a live actor 10. The female side
release buckle 384 of the neck strap 380 is attached to the male
side release buckle 348 of the lower portion 326 of the
multi-junctional attachment unit 300 (not shown). The neck strap
380 and the lower portion 326 wraps around the live actor's 10
neck, wherein the hook portion 372 of the lower portion hooks onto
the loop portion 388 of the neck strap 380 (not shown). The limb
strap 340 is connected to the live actor's 10 arm. This provides a
secure attachment of the multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 to
the neck junction of the live actor 10. The silicone tube 130 is
directed towards the back of the live actor 10 where it may be
connected to a blood pumping system.
[0115] Referring now to FIGS. 27-30, the multi-junctional
attachment unit 300 with attached multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 is attached at the axillary junction of a live actor
10. The female side release buckle 394 of the extended strap 390 is
attached to the male side release buckle 348 of the lower portion
326 of the multi-junctional attachment unit 300 (not shown). The
extended strap 390 and the lower portion 326 wraps around the live
actor's 10 torso, wherein the extended strap 390 is inserted
through the slot 339 and the hook portion 399 hooks onto the loop
portion 398. The limb strap 340 is connected to the of the live
actor's 10 arm. This provides a secure attachment of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 to the axillary junction of
the live actor 10. The silicone tube 130 is directed towards the
back of the live actor 10 where it may be connected to a blood
pumping system.
[0116] Referring now to FIGS. 31-34, the multi-junctional
attachment unit 300 with attached multi-junctional bleeding
simulator 100 is attached at the inguinal junction of a live actor
10. The female side release buckle 394 of the extended strap 390 is
attached to the male side release buckle 348 of the lower portion
326 of the multi-junctional attachment unit 300 (not shown). The
extended strap 390 and the lower portion 326 wraps around the live
actor's 10 torso, wherein the extended strap 390 is inserted
through the slot 339 and the hook portion 399 hooks onto the loop
portion 398. The limb strap 340 is connected to the of the live
actor's 10 thigh. This provides a secure attachment of the
multi-junctional bleeding simulator 100 to the inguinal junction of
the live actor 10. The silicone tube 130 is directed towards the
front of the live actor 10 where it may be connected to a blood
pumping system.
[0117] While there have been shown what are presently considered to
be preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
and spirit of the disclosure. Further, the above description of the
various embodiments is provided to enable a person of ordinary
skill in the art to make or use the subject matter of the
disclosure. Various modifications to the embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles defined herein may be applied to other variations
without departing from the spirit or the scope of this disclosure.
Thus, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not intended to
be limited to the examples and designs described herein, which
merely represent a presently preferred implementation of the
disclosure, but that the disclosure is to be accorded the widest
scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed
herein. It is to be further understood that the scope of the
present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments that may
become obvious to those skilled in the art.
* * * * *